Rev Aaron Gray

Pastor

Reverend Gray is a native of Denver, Colorado. A graduate of Regis College and the Iliff School Of Theology. Rev. Gray has been a United Methodist Pastor for twenty-five years and has served a variety of congregations from the plains of Colorado to inner city Denver.

A deep concern for community involvement, Rev. Gray has served on the Denver School Board and worked on issues around literacy and parent involvement in schools and well as supporting the role of teachers. Rev. Gray has been married to Lou An Gray since 1984. They have two sons, Ryan and Deshon. A passion for preaching, teaching, reading and walking; Rev. Gray is always available for listening, counseling and caring for the needs of others.

Steve Mallinson

Traditional Worship Music Leader

Steve Mallinson received his Bachelor of Music degree from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois and his Master of Music Degree from Northern Illinois University.   He has done additional graduate study at Northwestern University, The Vandercook College of Music and University of Washington in Seattle, among others.  He has studied choral and instrumental conducting with Maestro Daniel Barenbohm, Chicago Symphony, Dr. Paul Christiansen, St. Olaf College, and Howard Swann of Westminster Choir College.  Mr. Mallinson is the Associate Conductor of the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra and a founding member of the Timberline Brass Quintet.  His Church choir career began at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church in Mt. Zion, Illinois.  He came to Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church in 1972. And is presently leading the choir at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Arvada, CO as well as Wheat Ridge U.M.C.

Mr. Mallinson's goal is to provide the best in choral literature for the choir and congregation and have fun and good Christian fellowship at the same time.  In the past the Chancel Choir at Wheat Ridge U.M.C. has performed many major choral works with a small orchestra including John Rutter's "Gloria" and "Requiem, Handel's "Messiah" and the Faure "Requiem." The Wheat Ridge Choir was invited to sing at  "Sacred Music on the Prairie" in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Steve has two living children, Kristin Lee and Stephen James and a granddaughter, Sarah Danielle.  He and his wife Terry, reside in Arvada, CO. He likes to Play golf, oil paint and being a grandfather to Sarah.

David VanderHamm

Contemporary Music Leader

David grew up in central Kansas where he learned a love of music from his family and picked up his father’s guitar to enliven his teenage years. He led worship and assisted in virtually every aspect of the music program of his home church, Crossroads Christian, and, along with teaching guitar, began a performance path that led him to Denver to study at the college level. In Denver, David has led in worship services in his University, local churches, and volunteered at an east Denver detention center. In the spring of 2007, David received his B. A. in guitar performance from Colorado Christian University, and has recently been accepted for masters study at DU. David has played in numerous local venues from Red Rocks to Dazzle, and become a respected member of Denver’s music scene. David emphasizes the importance of artistic excellence both inside and outside the church’s walls as a way of providing hope and beauty in our world.

Caroline Mallory

Director of Bell Choir

Caroline Mallory is a life-long member of Wheat Ridge UMC. She graduated from the University of Colorado receiving a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music with an emphasis in Choral Literature and Conducting. She has been ringing handbells since 1983 and directing them since 1987. Caroline direct the Wheat Ridge UMC Jubilation Ringers and the Timberline Handbell Ensemble, Inc. She rings with the Rocky Mountain Ringers, Inc. Caroline is a member of the AGEHR, and has received the National AGEHR Level I Conductors recognition. She and members of the Wheat Ridge UMC Jubilation Ringers are actively involved in AGEHR guild activities and events on the local, state, area, national, and international level. Caroline retired from the Jefferson County Public Schools after serving 33 years as a music teacher in grades 1-12. Caroline also serves as the assistant church organist.

Tammy Danknich

Assistant Director of Children's Day Preschool

I am the Assistant Director and classroom teacher of Children’s Day Preschool. I have been with the program for 18 years. Our preschool provides a curriculum where children have the opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences. I have Director certification as well as 25 years experience in the Early Childhood field.